Phaeochromocytoma

Question 1

What is Phaeochromocytoma?

Answer 1

Tumour of adrenal medulla, which secretes excessive catecholamines i.e. Adrenaline and Noradrenaline

Question 2

What are the symptoms of Phaeochromocytoma?

Answer 2

Headaches, sweating, palpitations - classic

Anxiety, hypertension, tachycardia, pallor

Question 3

How do you diagnose Phaeochromocytoma?

Answer 3

24-hour urine Metacholamines

Question 4

What is the initial treatment for Phaeochromocytoma? What may be considered after?

Answer 4

Alpha blockers: Phenoxybenzyamine, Doxasozin
Beta blockers: Propanolol / Bisoprolol

ALWAYS GIVE ALPHA BLOCKERS FIRST to avoid hypertensive crises / massive vasoconstriction

Surgery later

Question 5

Which drug can be used as both an Alpha and Beta blocker for Phaeochromocytoma?

Answer 5

Labetalol

Question 6

What four conditions are associated with Phaeochromocytoma?

Answer 6

MEN2a Syndrome
MEN2b Syndrome
Von Hippel Lindau Syndrome
Neurofibromatosis Type 1